Keeping cool in summer can represent a challenge. Investing in an air conditioner can prove to be the right move. But you might be asking yourself which air conditioner is the right one for you. In this guide, we will take a look at what options are available and what factors can influence your choice.
Table of Contents
Keeping cool in summer can represent a challenge. Investing in an air conditioner can prove to be the right move. But you might be asking yourself which air conditioner is the right one for you. In this guide, we will take a look at what options are available and what factors can influence your choice.
If you want to buy an air conditioner, you should keep in mind the room size, the number of windows, cost, noise level and other factors related to your home. But do not worry; in this blog, we will take a look at what you need to consider before finally making your decision.
How does an air conditioner work?
When your air conditioner is switched on, its internal fans would draw air into the unit and over a cold evaporator coil. A chemical refrigerant would absorb the heat and cool the air, as well as remove some of the moisture.
After that the cooled air is recirculated into the room. This process has the effect of reducing the overall humidity and temperature. An external hose would vent the hot air outside.
Your air conditioner will automatically switch off once the desired temperature is achieved. When your unit detects that the temperature inside is getting hot again, it will switch back on in order to maintain the required temperature.
Should an air conditioner be vented?
The venting requirements of your unit depend on the type you have in your home. A split wall unit will have an outdoor component to vent hot air, while a portable unit will need a ducting hose.
With a portable air conditioner, you would need to vent the air directly outside to remove the hot air as soon as possible. Another possible way is to vent your unit through a slightly open door into a corridor or another room. However, this is not recommended because it will simply move the hot air around your home.
Read about: Air conditioning installation Services
What are the key features of air conditioners?
- An Adjustable Thermostat
With an adjustable thermostat, you will be able to have full control over the desired room temperature.
Fan only mode
Most portable air conditioners come with a fan-only mode. This means that you can just switch on the fan if you just want a breeze.
- Control of fan speeds
You can easily control the desired fan speed and set the speed as you see fit.
- Timer
This feature is quite necessary as it will allow you to control the time when you want your unit to switch on and off.
- Dehumidifier only
Air conditioners have the ability to dehumidify their environment by default. They can remove excess moisture from the air and cool your room as well.
- Heating
In addition to cooling your home, air conditioners can also heat it. Even newer portable units are able to heat your room. In short, air conditioners are a 3 in 1 technology as they can cool, heat and dehumidify your place.
- Wi-Fi compatibility
Most of the new and high-spec AC units are equipped with Wi-Fi technology. This will enable you to have full control of your air conditioner using an app on your smartphone.
Read about: Air Conditioning Service In Uk
What are the most common types of air conditioning systems?
Split Air Conditioning Systems
To begin with, split systems have an outside condenser unit as well as an internal cassette. This cassette has the ability to increase the capacity of the condenser. As a result, allowing it to provide cool air to larger rooms. Not to mention that you can link several cassettes to a single condenser. This system is usually known as a multi-split system.
What are the benefits of a split system?
- Cost-effective
A split system unit is cost-effective to install. It is designed to cool different sizes of buildings, such as small industrial units or big hotels and shopping centres. Without a doubt, the cost of this system will be determined by how many cassettes you are going with and the capacity of your condensers. We can provide you with a tailored quote.
- An easy installation process
Unlike traditional systems, split systems need much less work to install. There will be no need for ductwork when it comes to installing split systems. However, an opening of about 3 inches in diameter is required for the connector between your indoor and outdoor units. All that is needed then is access to electricity and a location for mounting your unit. Different lengths for refrigerant tubes are offered by Manufacturers. Your indoor and outdoor units can be up to 100 feet apart.
- Quiet Operations
This type of indoor ductless unit operates as quietly as 19 decibels. This is much quieter than a window unit. What is more, the ductless condenser is slimmer and can make it easy to position in different locations if noise might be a problem or where there is not much space.
- More Energy Efficient
A lot of energy is lost through ductwork. With leaky ducts, you can have a loss of up to 30 per cent in the cooling energy. Energy efficiency problems can occur when you have uninsulated ductwork or ductwork that has been installed in unconditioned spaces. Due to their ductless design, split systems can increase your energy savings and reduce money spent on future utility bills. In fact, ductless air conditioners, in some cases, can reach double the efficiency of a standard air conditioner.
- More Security
When it comes to security, a split system is more secure than a window unit, which can enable intruders a way to break into your home. There will not be any security threats from the small hole in your conduit as it does not represent much threat to the safety of your home. A large opening in your wall or window, however, can make you a target for intruders.
- Zoning
Split systems have the ability to cool different places in your home by splitting the space into zones. To put it simply, each zone will have its own thermostat. When you have separate thermostats, you will be able to control each area separately. As a result, you will use less energy while saving money at the same time.
Ductless air conditioners can be perfect for renovations where ducting is not possible. It can also be useful in older homes with poor distribution or electrically-heated houses and homes with hydronic heating.
- They Go Well with Your Décor
Indoor installation is very flexible with a split air conditioner. They can be either suspended from the ceiling or hung on walls. Moreover, Jackets can be used to make them look more elegant and sophisticated. What is more, unlike window units which require you to make a hole in your wall or fill your window space, split systems are less obtrusive.
Cassette Air Conditioning Systems
To put it simply, cassettes are, in fact, the interior part of a split or a multi-split unit. Their job is to turn liquid refrigerant from the condenser into a vapour. This vapour will then be vented into the room. Without a doubt, newer models have more efficiency in doing that than older ones. That is why, it is common for them to be replaced in order to get the best out of your unit.
Cassettes come in several different sizes. There are wall or ceiling mounting options and models. They are also compatible with most of the major manufacturers of condensing systems. We can help you replace an existing cassette and ensure more efficiency. Contact us for more information.
Read about: Ducted air conditioning system
What are the advantages of a Cassette System?
- Cassette systems ensure a good distribution of air in the room due to their powerful fans, which can regulate the proper distribution of air in larger spaces.
- Because they are installed on the ceiling, they can save a significant amount of space. This can also make them almost invisible.
- They are silent because the second unit of the cassette is usually located outside. That is why they are perfect for offices or residents of a building.
- The thermostat of these air conditioning systems can be programmed at your request. The same goes for fan speed. You can adjust the room temperature and thus save on monthly electricity bills.
- Their thermostat can be programmed at your request. You can also control the speed of the fan. By adjusting the temperature of the room, you can save on your monthly electricity bills.
- They are energy efficient.
Ducted Air Conditioning Systems
Ducted systems, or as they are sometimes called central systems, have the ability to distribute cool and warm air throughout the building. They differ from split systems in the fact that they have no internal cassette. Alternatively, cold and warm air will be fed from the external unit to the grills inside through a ducting network. This, as a result, will allow them to cool more than one room at once.
These types of systems are comprehensive. Therefore, much space is required for the large external condenser and the internal ducting as well. This makes them suitable for large home or office campuses.
What are the advantages of Ducted Systems?
- Whole home heating and cooling
A single unit of ducted air conditioning system can be connected to every other space in your workplace or home. By using only one remote, you will be able to control the temperature of each room in your space. This includes both cooling and heating. So only one system is needed to cover large buildings with multiple rooms.
- Quiet operation
Another advantage of ducted systems is that they are quiet. So you will enjoy a peaceful atmosphere whether you are at home or at the office.
- Low profile look
Ducted air conditioning systems have a classy and stylish look that can blend into your décor. Both the ducts and air conditioning vents are built into the internal workings of your property. Only the ceiling ducts and the control panel on display are shown internally, which makes the whole system nice to look at.
- Flexible zones
The aim of zoning is to allow for the isolation of the ducted air conditioning unit in order to enjoy the cool air in the room you are occupying without wasting energy or air in rooms that are not being used. To put it simply, you can turn off air conditioning in parts of the house which are not being used.
- Easy to control
You can control a ducted air conditioning system by a simple push button keypad which can be located in an area of your property with high traffic. By simply pressing a button, all your zones will be flushed with cool air. And you can also turn it off just the same. What is more, timers can be set to provide your property with cool air at any time you set. You can also set the time for it to be turned off after a while.
- Can increase the value of your property
Although ducted systems are becoming affordable, they are still considered a luxury. So having one installed in your property can surely increase the value of your property.
- Efficient
A ducted air conditioning system can efficiently cool or heat large, multi-room areas. As a result, it can save you money on your energy bills. This is true when you use the zoning feature, where you cool or heat the rooms that are being used only.
Monoblock Air Conditioning Systems
Monoblock systems are designed to be all-in-one units. So they do not include a separate condenser. A monoblock system should be mounted on an external wall in order to be easily vented. On the other hand, window-mounted systems are available as well. They can be vented through an open window. The benefit of this is a reduction in the cost of installation. However, it will block some of the light you get into the room.
What is more, Monoblock systems come in several sizes. They can cool a room of up to 500 sq. ft. This system is perfect for smaller places, especially when you only need to cool one or two rooms.
What are the advantages of the monoblock system?
- Monoblock systems can cool a room quickly, especially if we are talking about small or medium-sized rooms.
- They are easy to install.
- The monoblock system can purify or filter the air in your room.
- They work with inverter technology. This technology would enable the air conditioner to have a stable consumption.
- The reversible air conditioner can also heat the house in mid-season. So a reversible air conditioner can be used in both summer and winter. This is what makes it a good investment.
Portable Air Conditioning Systems
Portable systems are a compact unit which comes as all-in-one monoblock systems. They can easily be moved from place to place. They include a vent pipe that should be put through an open window or a vent. These types of cooling systems are perfect for cooling temporary buildings like portacabins. You can also use them when your system is going through maintenance, and you need a temporary solution.
Portable systems are able to cool rooms from 200 sq. ft. to 500 sq. ft. However, the precise output needed will depend on the size of the room or any other environmental considerations.
What are the advantages of portable air conditioning systems?
- Their price is lower
When compared to other air conditioning types like ductless mini splits and especially central air conditioners, most portable air conditioners are affordable as single-room comfort solutions.
However, higher-end portable air conditioners can cost more than a standard model. But overall, an effective and high-quality portable system might be quite affordable.
- Portable and Convenient Comfort
Portable air conditioning systems offer user-friendly comfort because they are easy to set up. Most of them come with caster wheels, which makes them very simple to move around from place to place.
You just need to be in a room with a window or a sliding door so that the unit can be exhausted, and you will be good to go.
- Little Installation is Required
Portable air conditioners do not require a professional to be set. Most of the available types are simple and easy to install and vent by using the manufacturer’s window kit. A few steps are needed to complete the installation of your portable system. In most cases, portable air conditioners can be vented through a window or a sliding door.
- Can be controlled with a phone
Different top brands offer Wi-Fi-enabled portable air conditioners such as LG and Honeywell. These systems will enable you to monitor and control your air conditioner from anywhere by only using your cell phone and an app.
- Good for all seasons
There are many features that can come with your portable air conditioning unit. Some of these features can help you use your unit throughout all seasons.
Some of these are:
- Heat Mode
You can get a portable AC unit with a built-in heat feature. This can be used as a support for your other typical heating options.
- Fan-Only Operation
This feature is especially useful on those days when you require neither heating nor cooling, but want some fresh air moving throughout your room.
- Dehumidification
A unit with built-in dehumidification modes can be useful on muggy or rainy days. This will help you remove excess moisture. Some other models even offer a self-evaporation feature that can expel the collected moisture from the air conditioner.
Air Conditioning Guide
Keeping cool in summer can represent a challenge. Investing in an air conditioner can prove to be the right move. But you might be asking yourself which air conditioner is the right one for you. In this guide, we will take a look at what options are available and what factors can influence your choice.
If you want to buy an air conditioner, you should keep in mind the room size, the number of windows, cost, noise level and other factors related to your home. But do not worry. In this blog, we will take a look at what you need to consider before finally making your decision.
Read about: Daikin Wall Mounted Air Conditioning
How does an air conditioner work?
When your air conditioner is switched on, its internal fans would draw air into the unit and over a cold evaporator coil. A chemical refrigerant would absorb the heat and cool the air, as well as remove some of the moisture.
After that the cooled air is recirculated into the room. This process has the effect of reducing the overall humidity and temperature. An external hose would vent the hot air outside.
Your air conditioner will automatically switch off once the desired temperature is achieved. When your unit detects that the temperature inside is getting hot again, it will switch back on in order to maintain the required temperature.
Should an air conditioner be vented?
The venting requirements of your unit depend on the type you have in your home. A split wall unit will have an outdoor component to vent hot air, while a portable unit will need a ducting hose.
With a portable air conditioner, you would need to vent the air directly outside to remove the hot air as soon as possible. Another possible way is to vent your unit through a slightly open door into a corridor or another room. However, this is not recommended because it will simply move the hot air around your home.
What are the key features of air conditioners?
An Adjustable Thermostat
With an adjustable thermostat, you will be able to have full control over the desired room temperature.
Fan only mode
Most portable air conditioners come with a fan-only mode. This means that you can just switch on the fan if you just want a breeze.
Control of fan speeds
You can easily control the desired fan speed and set the speed as you see fit.
Timer
This feature is quite necessary as it will allow you to control the time when you want your unit to switch on and off.
Dehumidifier only
Air conditioners have the ability to dehumidify their environment by default. They can remove excess moisture from the air and cool your room as well.
Heating
In addition to cooling your home, air conditioners can also heat it. Even newer portable units are able to heat your room. In short, air conditioners are a 3 in 1 technology as they can cool, heat and dehumidify your place.
Wi-Fi compatibility
Most of the new and high-spec AC units are equipped with Wi-Fi technology. This will enable you to have full control of your air conditioner using an app on your smartphone.
What are the most common types of air conditioning systems?
- Split Air Conditioning Systems
To begin with, split systems have an outside condenser unit as well as an internal cassette. This cassette has the ability to increase the capacity of the condenser. As a result, it allows it to provide cool air to larger rooms. Not to mention that you can link several cassettes to a single condenser. This system is usually known as a multi-split system.
What are the benefits of a split system?
- Cost-effective
A split system unit is cost-effective to install. It is designed to cool different sizes of buildings, such as a small industrial unit or a big hotel and a shopping centre. Without a doubt, the cost of this system will be determined by how many cassettes you are going with and the capacity of your condensers. We can provide you with a tailored quote.
- An easy installation process
Unlike traditional systems, split systems need much less work to install. There will be no need for ductwork when it comes to installing split systems. However, an opening of about 3 inches in diameter is required for the connector between your indoor and outdoor units. All that is needed then is access to electricity and a location for mounting your unit. Different lengths for refrigerant tubes are offered by Manufacturers. Your indoor and outdoor units can be up to 100 feet apart.
- Quiet Operations
This type of indoor ductless unit operates as quietly as 19 decibels. This is much quieter than a window unit. What is more, the ductless condenser is slimmer and can make it easy to position in different locations if noise might be a problem or where there is not much space.
- More Energy Efficient
A lot of energy is lost through ductwork. With leaky ducts, you can have a loss of up to 30 per cent in the cooling energy. Energy efficiency problems can occur when you have uninsulated ductwork or ductwork that has been installed in unconditioned spaces. Due to their ductless design, split systems can increase your energy savings and reduce money spent on future utility bills. In fact, ductless air conditioners, in some cases, can reach double the efficiency of a standard air conditioner.
- More Security
When it comes to security, a split system is more secure than a window unit, which can enable intruders a way to break into your home. There will not be any security threats from the small hole in your conduit as it does not represent much threat to the safety of your home. A large opening in your wall or window, however, can make you a target for intruders.
- Zoning
Split systems have the ability to cool different places in your home by splitting the space into zones. To put it simply, each zone will have its own thermostat. When you have separate thermostats, you will be able to control each area separately. As a result, you will use less energy while saving money at the same time.
Ductless air conditioners can be perfect for renovations where ducting is not possible. It can also be useful in older homes with poor distribution or electrically-heated houses and homes with hydronic heating.
- They Go Well with Your Décor
Indoor installation is very flexible with a split air conditioner. They can be either suspended from the ceiling or hung on walls. Moreover, Jackets can be used to make them look more elegant and sophisticated. What is more, unlike window units which require you to make a hole in your wall or fill your window space, split systems are less obtrusive.
- Cassette Air Conditioning Systems
To put it simply, cassettes are, in fact, the interior part of a split or a multi-split unit. Their job is to turn liquid refrigerant from the condenser into a vapour. This vapour will then be vented into the room. Without a doubt, newer models have more efficiency in doing that than older ones. That is why, it is common for them to be replaced in order to get the best out of your unit.
Cassettes come in several different sizes. There are wall or ceiling mounting options and models. They are also compatible with most of the major manufacturers of condensing systems. We can help you replace an existing cassette and ensure more efficiency. Contact us for more information.
What are the advantages of a Cassette System?
- Cassette systems ensure a good distribution of air in the room due to their powerful fans, which can regulate the proper distribution of air in larger spaces.
- Because they are installed on the ceiling, they can save a significant amount of space. This can also make them almost invisible.
- They are silent because the second unit of the cassette is usually located outside. That is why they are perfect for offices or residents of a building.
- The thermostat of these air conditioning systems can be programmed at your request. The same goes for fan speed. You can adjust the room temperature and thus save on monthly electricity bills.
- Their thermostat can be programmed at your request. You can also control the speed of the fan. By adjusting the temperature of the room, you can save on your monthly electricity bills.
- They are energy efficient.
- Ducted Air Conditioning Systems
Ducted systems, or as they are sometimes called central systems, have the ability to distribute cool and warm air throughout the building. They differ from split systems in the fact that they have no internal cassette. Alternatively, cold and warm air will be fed from the external unit to the grills inside through a ducting network. This, as a result, will allow them to cool more than one room at once.
These types of systems are comprehensive. Therefore, much space is required for the large external condenser and the internal ducting as well. This makes them suitable for large home or office campuses.
Read about:
Panasonic air conditioner Review
What are the advantages of Ducted Systems?
Whole home heating and cooling
A single unit of ducted air conditioning system can be connected to every other space in your workplace or home. By using only one remote, you will be able to control the temperature of each room in your space. This includes both cooling and heating. So only one system is needed to cover large buildings with multiple rooms.
Quiet operation
Another advantage of ducted systems is that they are quiet. So you will enjoy a peaceful atmosphere whether you are at home or at the office.
Low profile look
Ducted air conditioning systems have a classy and stylish look that can blend into your décor. Both the ducts and air conditioning vents are built into the internal workings of your property. Only the ceiling ducts and the control panel on display are shown internally, which makes the whole system nice to look at.
Flexible zones
The aim of zoning is to allow for the isolation of the ducted air conditioning unit in order to enjoy the cool air in the room you are occupying and without wasting energy or air in rooms that are not being used. To put it simply, you can turn off air conditioning in parts of the house which are not being used.
Easy to control
You can control a ducted air conditioning system by a simple push button keypad which can be located in an area of your property with high traffic. By simply pressing a button, all your zones will be flushed with cool air. And you can also turn it off just the same. What is more, timers can be set to provide your property with cool air at any time you set. You can also set the time for it to be turned off after a while.
Can increase the value of your property
Although ducted systems are becoming affordable, they are still considered a luxury. So having one installed in your property can surely increase the value of your property.
Efficient
A ducted air conditioning system can efficiently cool or heat large, multi-room areas. As a result, it can save you money on your energy bills. This is true when you use the zoning feature where you cool or heat the rooms that are being used only.
- Monoblock Air Conditioning Systems
Monoblock systems are designed to be all-in-one units. So they do not include a separate condenser. A monoblock system should be mounted on an external wall in order to be easily vented. On the other hand, window-mounted systems are available as well. They can be vented through an open window. The benefit of this is a reduction in the cost of installation. However, it will block some of the light you get into the room.
What is more, Monoblock systems come in several sizes. They can cool a room of up to 500 sq. ft. This system is perfect for smaller places, especially when you only need to cool one or two rooms.
Read more:
Heat Pump Installation Services In UK
What are the advantages of the monoblock system?
- Monoblock systems can cool a room quickly, especially if we are talking about small or medium-sized rooms.
- They are easy to install.
- The monoblock system can purify or filter the air in your room.
- They work with inverter technology. This technology would enable the air conditioner to have a stable consumption.
- The reversible air conditioner can also heat the house in mid-season. So a reversible air conditioner can be used in both summer and winter. This is what makes it a good investment.
- Portable Air Conditioning Systems
Portable systems are a compact unit which comes as all-in-one monoblock systems. They can easily be moved from place to place. They include a vent pipe that should be put through an open window or a vent. These types of cooling systems are perfect for cooling temporary buildings like portacabins. You can also use them when your system is going through maintenance, and you need a temporary solution.
Portable systems are able to cool rooms from 200 sq. ft. to 500 sq. ft. However, the precise output needed will depend on the size of the room or any other environmental considerations.
What are the advantages of portable air conditioning systems?
- Their price is lower
When compared to other air conditioning types like ductless mini splits and especially central air conditioners, most portable air conditioners are affordable as single-room comfort solutions.
However, higher-end portable air conditioners can cost more than a standard model. But overall, an effective and high-quality portable system might be quite affordable.
- Portable and Convenient Comfort
Portable air conditioning systems offer user-friendly comfort because they are easy to set up. Most of them come with caster wheels, which makes them very simple to move around from place to place.
You just need to be in a room with a window or a sliding door so that the unit can be exhausted, and you will be good to go.
- Little Installation is Required
Portable air conditioners do not require a professional to be set. Most of the available types are simple and easy to install and vent by using the manufacturer’s window kit. A few steps are needed to complete the installation of your portable system. In most cases, portable air conditioners can be vented through a window or a sliding door.
- Can be controlled with a phone
Different top brands offer Wi-Fi-enabled portable air conditioners such as LG and Honeywell. These systems will enable you to monitor and control your air conditioner from anywhere by only using your cell phone and an app.
- Good for all seasons
There are many features that can come with your portable air conditioning unit. Some of these features can help you use your unit throughout all seasons.
Some of these are:
- Heat Mode
You can get a portable AC unit with a built-in heat feature. This can be used as a support for your other typical heating options.
- Fan-Only Operation
This feature is especially useful on those days when you require neither heating nor cooling, but want some fresh air moving throughout your room.
- Dehumidification
A unit with built-in dehumidification modes can be useful on muggy or rainy days. This will help you remove excess moisture. Some other models even offer a self-evaporation feature that can expel the collected moisture from the air conditioner.
What are the benefits of an air conditioner?
- Reduce High Humidity.
- Better Air Quality
- Reduce Asthma Attacks.
- Stop Insects and parasites.
- Reduce the Risk of Dehydration and heat Stroke.
- Decrease Work Stress
What are the five basic parts of an air conditioning system?
- Refrigerant. Refrigerant is a special fluid that is vital to cooling and freezing technology.
- Compressor.
- Condenser Coil
- Expansion Valve
- Evaporator Coil
How do I know what air conditioner to buy?
Choosing the right air conditioner involves considering various factors to ensure it meets your specific needs. Here are some key considerations to help you decide what air conditioner to buy:
- Budget:
- Set a budget for your air conditioner purchase. Prices can vary widely based on the type, capacity, and features of the unit. Consider long-term costs, including energy efficiency and maintenance.
- Brand and Reviews:
- Research reputable brands and read customer reviews to get an idea of the reliability and performance of different air conditioner models. Pay attention to customer feedback on noise levels, durability, and overall satisfaction.
- Noise Level:
- Consider the noise level of the air conditioner, especially if it will be placed in a bedroom or other quiet space. Some units are designed to operate quietly, which can be important for your comfort.
- Features:
- Look for features that enhance convenience and comfort, such as programmable thermostats, remote controls, multiple fan speeds, and sleep modes. Some newer models also come with smart technology that allows you to control the unit through a mobile app.
- Warranty:
- Check the warranty offered by the manufacturer. A longer warranty period can provide peace of mind and may indicate the manufacturer’s confidence in the product’s quality.
Read more: Commercial Air Conditioning
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FAQs:
What is air conditioning?
Air conditioning (AC) is a system that is used to cool down the temperatures inside a place by removing heat and moisture from the room. To put it simply, they take warm air into a system and disperse cold air
Is sleeping in AC good for health?
Sleeping with the AC on can help prevent some heat-related conditions, like dehydration, heatstroke, and heat exhaustion. Typical AC filters will not purify the air, but they can prevent dust and particles from going into the system.
What is an AC compressor?
A compressor is the engine of an air conditioning system. It’s the part that changes the refrigerant from a cool, low-pressure liquid to a hot, high-pressure gas, and then back again.